Man Sentenced in Connection with Trafficking Narcotics in Westford
WESTFORD - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Westford Chief of Police Mark Chambers have announced that Mark Garcia, 35 of Westford has pled guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine more than 36 grams, trafficking in cocaine more than 36 grams, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of possession of a class A drug with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a class B drug with intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a class C drug with intent to distribute, eleven counts of possession of a class E drug with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm without an FID card, and possession of ammunition without an FID card in connection with dealing Cocaine as well as other narcotics at a residence located in Westford.
“The defendant in this case was in possession of a wide variety and quantity of controlled substances, along with packaging materials, a firearm, and a large quantity of cash,” said District Attorney Ryan. “This case is an example of how we are focusing our efforts on prosecuting individuals who seek solely to profit from the distribution of drugs in our communities.”
“I want to applaud the great work and the professional collaboration by the all the agencies involved to take a significant amount of dangerous narcotics off the street,” added Chief Chambers. “I especially want to thank the Westford Special Services Division for their work on this case.”
On March 6, 2021, Westford Detectives received numerous anonymous tips reporting that Mark Garcia who was working as a pharmacy tech where he had access to pharmaceuticals, was suspected of dealing narcotics out of his residence located on Cold Spring Road in Westford. After a month’s long investigation, detectives from the Westford Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Boston Tactical Diversion Squad, executed a search warrant on April 7, 2021, at the residence of Mark Garcia as well as the car that was allegedly known to be regularly used by Mr. Garcia.
During the execution of this search warrant, investigators found a scale and individual 'deal bags' consistent with drug transactions. Narcotics, cash and other items were seized, including $31,876 cash, one firearm, Cocaine, Marijuana, LSD, two bottles of Codeine, THC edibles, Ketamine, MDMA, Oxycodone pills, crushed Amphetamine, Amphetamine pills and Methamphetamine. Additionally some of the Methamphetamine was clandestinely pressed to resemble trademark “Adderall” pill. These counterfeit pills are emerging as a concern in the Westford area.
Judge Shannon Frison sentenced the defendant to six to eight years state prison, with three years probation from and after. The defendant was also ordered to seek substance abuse evaluation and treatment, seek and maintain employment, and not to have any employment where pharmaceuticals are dispensed.
The prosecutor assigned to this case was Whitney Williams.